U.S. Securities And Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934 [No Fee Required]
For the transition period from_________________ to___________________
Commission File No. 0-20879
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
Delaware 95-4580642
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(State or jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
1675 Broadway, Suite 1150, Denver, CO 80202
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number, including area code (303) 825-3748
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
None None
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
$.001 Par Value Common Stock
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(Title of Class)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes X No __
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-B contained herein, and no disclosure will be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10- KSB or any
amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]
Issuer's revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 were $46,145.
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
computed based on the last sale price of such stock as of December 2, 1998, was
$16,538,417.
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
equity as of December 2, 1998 is as follows:
$.001 Par Value Common Stock 9,421,470
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PART I
ITEMS 1 AND 2. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
Overview
PYR Energy Corporation (the "Company") is an independent exploration
company that applies advanced 3-D seismic and computer aided exploration
("CAEX") technology to systematically explore for and exploit onshore domestic
natural gas and oil accumulations in the western United States. With a primary
technical focus, the Company has ongoing exploration and exploitation activities
primarily in the San Joaquin basin of California, and to a lesser degree in the
Denver basin of Colorado and Nebraska, the Big Horn basin of Wyoming, and the
central Montana trough of Montana.
Since its inception in 1996, the Company has developed a number of
exploration and exploitation projects possessing a critical mix of
high-potential, high-risk exploration targets and moderate-potential,
moderate-risk exploitation plays. The Company generates most of its exploration
projects internally, and therefore has the ability to retain a sizeable working
interest in each project based on associated project risk and financial leverage
through industry joint ventures. The Company attempts to limit financial
exposure on a project by project basis by forming industry alliances through
which the Company's technical expertise can be complemented with the financial
resources and operating expertise of established companies. The Company does not
intend to operate the drilling of project wells.
The Company has successfully assembled a highly motivated geoscience and
management team with extensive technical experience, as well as a proven track
record of resource exploitation and business development. The Company was
founded by Scott Singdahlsen, a geophysicist who previously was a founder of
Interactive Earth Sciences Corporation, a 3-D seismic consulting firm in the
Rocky Mountain region, and by Robert Suydam, a geologist employed by a number of
oil and gas exploration companies for an aggregate of over 30 years. The
Company's technical/management team of goephysicists and geologists brings
together substantial experience in exploration, exploitation, and the
application of advanced geological and geophysical technology. Historically, the
Company's technical team has had exposure to more than 100 3-D seismic surveys.
This experience has resulted in development of expertise in the application of
seismic technology for exploration and exploitation.
The Company was incorporated in March 1996 in the state of Delaware under
the name Mar Ventures Inc. Prior to August 6, 1997 the Company's business
consisted of the marketing of traditional television programming from a limited
film library to television and cable television operators. Effective as of
August 6, 1997, the Company purchased all the ownership interests of PYR Energy,
LLC, an oil and gas exploration company founded in May 1996 by Scott Sindahlsen
and Robert Suydam, and, in a separate transaction, it sold its former business
to the prior president of the Company. Also on that date, the Company issued
units of its common stock and common stock purchase warrants for an aggregate of
$1,500,000. The warrants subsequently expired without exercise. Upon
consummation of the acquisition of PYR Energy, LLC, the former officers and
directors of the Company resigned, and the directors and officers of PYR Energy,
LLC, together with another individual, became the officers and directors of the
Company. Effective as of November 12, 1997, the Company changed its name to PYR
Energy Corporation.
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Current Status
During fiscal 1998, the Company and other working interest owners commenced
drilling on the Company's first two test wells - the Bellevue #1-17 on the
Company's East Lost Hills prospect, which commenced drilling in May 1997, and
the Federal #67X-30, which commenced drilling in July 1997 on the Company's
School Road prospect. The School Road test well was plugged and abandoned on
September 18, 1998 although the Company is evaluating the results in order to
determine any potential future exploration possibilities at its School Road
acreage.
On November 23, 1998, the East Lost Hills prospect well suffered a blowout
after having reached a depth of approximately 17,600 feet out of targeted total
depth of 19,000 feet. Bellevue Resources, Inc., a subsidiary of Elk Point
Resources, Ltd., is the operator of the well and is currently attempting to get
the well blowout under control. If this can be achieved, then the Company and
the other working interest owners will evaluate the situation and determine the
manner for proceeding. See " - Southern San Joaquin Basin, California".
In October and November 1998, the Company issued $2.5 million of
Convertible Promissory Notes in a private placement to a limited group of
investors. These notes are convertible into the Company's convertible preferred
stock (subject to authorization of the preferred stock by the Company' s
stockholders), which would then be convertible into the Company's common stock.
See "Item 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS - Private Placement
of Notes".
The Company's offices are located at 1675 Broadway, Suite 1150, Denver,
Colorado 80202, telephone number (303) 825-3748.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements And Cautionary Statements
Forward-Looking Statements
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This Annual Report on Form 10-KSB includes "forward-looking" statements
within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements other than statements of historical
facts included in this Annual Report, including without limitation statements
under "ITEMS 1 AND 2. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES" and "ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATION", regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy, and
plans and objectives of management of the Company for future operations and
capital expenditures, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company
believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and
the assumptions upon which the forward-looking statements are based are
reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will
prove to have been correct. Additional statements concerning important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's
expectation ("Cautionary Statements") are disclosed below in the "-Cautionary
Statements" section and elsewhere in this Annual Report. All written and oral
forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its
behalf subsequent to the date of this Annual Report are expressly qualified in
their entirety by the Cautionary Statements.
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Cautionary Statements
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In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report, the
following Cautionary Statements should be considered when evaluating the
forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report.
Start-Up Nature Of The Company's Oil And Gas Business; Absence Of Profits
The Company was formed in 1996, and does not have a history of sustained
profit from operations. The development of the Company's business will require
substantial expenditures. The Company's future financial results will depend
primarily on its ability to locate hydrocarbons economically in commercial
quantities, to provide drilling site and target depth recommendations resulting
in profitable productive wells and on the market prices for oil and natural gas.
There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or sustain profitability
or positive cash flows from operating activities in the near future.
Oil And Gas Prices; Marketability Of Production
Even if the Company is able to discover or acquire oil and gas production,
of which there is no assurance, the Company's revenues, profitability and
liquidity will be highly dependent upon prevailing prices for oil and natural
gas. Oil and gas prices can be extremely volatile and in recent years have been
depressed by excess total domestic and imported supplies. There can be no
assurance that current price levels can be sustained. Prices also are affected
by actions of state and local agencies, the United States and foreign
governments, and international cartels. These external factors and the volatile
nature of the energy markets make it difficult to estimate future prices of oil
and natural gas. Any substantial or extended decline in the price of oil and/or
natural gas would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition and results of operations, including reduced cash flow and borrowing
capacity. All of these factors are beyond the control of the Company. Sales of
oil and natural gas are seasonal in nature, leading to substantial differences
in cash flow at various times throughout the year. The marketability of the
Company' s gas production, if any, will depend in part upon the availability,
proximity and capacity of gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing
facilities. Federal and state regulation of oil and gas production and
transportation, general economic conditions, changes in supply and changes in
demand all could adversely affect the Company's ability to produce and market
oil and natural gas. If market factors were to change dramatically, the
financial impact on the Company could be substantial. The availability of
markets and the volatility of product prices are beyond the control of the
Company and thus represent a significant risk.
Reliance On Industry Participants
The Company attempts to limit financial exposure on a project by project
basis by forming industry alliances where the Company's technical expertise can
be complemented with the financial resources and operating expertise of
established companies. If the Company were not able to form these industry
alliances, this could limit the Company's ability to fully implement its
business plan and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Non-Operator Status
The Company focuses primarily on providing 3-D imaging and analysis and
relies upon other project partners to provide and complete all other project
operations and responsibilities including operating, drilling, marketing and
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project administration. As a result, the Company has only a limited ability to
exercise control over a significant number of a project's operations or the
associated costs of such operations. The success of a project is dependent upon
a number of factors which are outside of the Company's area of expertise and
project responsibilities. Such factors include: (i) the availability of
favorable term leases and required permitting for projects, (ii) the
availability of future capital resources by the Company and the other
participants to the purchasing of leases and the drilling of wells, (iii) the
approval of other participants to the purchasing of leases and the drilling of
wells on the projects and (iv) the economic conditions at the time of drilling,
including the prevailing and anticipated prices for oil and gas. The Company's
reliance on other project partners and its limited ability to directly control
certain project costs could have a material adverse effect on the realization of
expected rates of return on the Company's investment in certain projects.
Ability To Discover Reserves
The Company's future success is dependent upon its ability to economically
locate oil and gas reserves in commercial quantities. Except to the extent that
the Company acquires properties containing proved reserves or conducts
successful exploration and development activities, or both, the proved reserves
of the Company, if any, will decline as reserves are produced. The Company's
ability to do so is dependent upon a number of factors, including its
participation in multiple exploration projects and its technological capability
to locate oil and gas in commercial quantities. Because the Company may rely
upon other industry participants to develop the Company's exploration projects,
no assurances can be given that the Company will have the opportunity to
participate in projects which economically produce commercial quantities of
hydrocarbons in amounts necessary to meet its business plan or that the projects
in which it elects to participate will be successful. There can be no assurance
that the Company's planned projects will result in significant reserves or that
the Company will have future success in drilling productive wells at low reserve
replacement costs. The Company has not yet established any oil and gas
production, nor has it booked any proved reserves.
Substantial Capital Requirements And Liquidity
In order to continue its oil and gas exploration plans fully, the Company
anticipates that it will need additional funding. In October and November 1998,
the Company closed a private placement resulting in a capital infusion of
$2,500,000. See "Item 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED
TRANSACTIONS--Private Placement Of Notes". After paying existing outstanding
commitments, the Company anticipates having approximately $1,000,000 of the
funds to cover future business expenditures. The Company does not have a steady
source of revenue to provide funding to sustain operations. There is no
assurance that the Company will be able to obtain a reliable source of revenue
to sustain its operations.
Risk Of Exploratory Drilling Activities
Exploration for oil and natural gas is a speculative business involving a
high degree of risk, including the risk that no commercially productive oil and
gas reservoirs will be encountered. The cost of drilling, completing and
operating wells is often uncertain and drilling operations may be curtailed,
delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors including unexpected
formation and drilling conditions, pressure or other irregularities in
formations, equipment failures or accidents, as well as weather conditions,
compliance with governmental requirement and shortages or delays in the delivery
of equipment. There is no assurance that the expenditures made by the Company on
its oil and natural gas properties will result in discoveries of oil or natural
gas in commercial quantities. Some test wells, as a consequence, may not
ultimately be developed into producing wells and may be abandoned.
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Competition
The Company competes in the areas of oil and gas exploration with other
companies, many of which may have substantially larger financial and other
resources. From time to time, there may be competition for, and shortage of,
exploration, drilling and production equipment and these shortages could lead to
an increase in costs and to delays in operations that could have a material
adverse effect on the Company. The Company may therefore not be able to acquire
desirable properties or equipment required to develop its properties. Problems
of this nature also could prevent the Company from producing any oil and natural
gas it discovers at the rate it desires to do so.
General Risks Of Oil And Gas Operations
The nature of the oil and gas business involves a variety of risks,
including the risks of operating hazards such as fires, explosions, cratering,
blowouts, such as the blowout at the exploratory well in which the Company has
an interest in East Lost Hills, and encountering formations with abnormal
pressures, the occurrence of any of which could result in losses to the Company.
The Company will maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks in
amounts that management believes to be reasonable in accordance with customary
industry practices. The occurrence of a significant event, however, that is not
fully insured could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position. See "--Significant Properties--Southern San Joaquin Basin, California"
concerning the blowout at the East Lost Hills exploratory well.
Technology Changes
The oil and gas industry is characterized by rapid and significant
technological advancements and introductions of new products and services
utilizing new technologies. As new technologies develop, the Company may be
placed at a competitive disadvantage, and competitive pressures may force the
Company to implement such new technologies at substantial cost. In addition,
other oil and gas finding companies may implement new technologies before the
Company, and consequently such companies may be able to provide enhanced
capabilities and superior quality compared with that which the Company is able
to provide. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to respond
to such competitive pressures and implement such technologies on a timely basis
or at an acceptable cost. One or more of the technologies currently utilized by
the Company or implemented in the future may become obsolete. In such case, the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected. If the Company is unable to utilize the most
advanced commercially available technology, the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Government Regulations And Environmental Risks
The production and sale of oil and gas are subject to a variety of federal,
state and local government regulations including regulation concerning the
prevention of waste, the discharge of materials into the environment, the
conservation of oil and natural gas, pollution, permits for drilling operations,
drilling bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells, the
unitization and pooling of properties, and various other matters including
taxes. Many jurisdictions have at various times imposed limitations on the
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production of oil and gas by restricting the rate of flow for oil and gas wells
below their actual capacity to produce. During the past few years there has been
a significant amount of discussion by legislators and the presidential
administration concerning a variety of energy tax proposals. There can be no
certainty that any such measure will be passed or what its effect will be on oil
and natural gas prices if it is passed. In addition, many states have raised
state taxes on energy sources and additional increases may occur, although there
can be no certainty of the effect that increases in state energy taxes would
have on oil and natural gas prices. Although the Company intends to be in
substantial compliance with applicable environmental and other government laws
and regulations, there can be no assurance that significant costs for compliance
will not be incurred in the future. The recent blowout of the well East Lost
Hills exploratory well in which the Company has an interest raises a number of
these risks. Although the Company currently believes that costs related to the
blowout and the release of potential pollutants into the atmosphere are covered
by insurance, there is no assurance that this is the case. Until the blowout is
brought under control and the Company and the operator of the well can assess
the situation and potential costs, the Company cannot quantify potential costs
to the Company. See "--Significant Properties--Southern San Joaquin Basin,
California".
Variability Of Operating Results
The Company's operating results, as a start up company in the oil and gas
industry, may vary significantly during any financial period. These variations
may be caused by significant periods of time between each of the Company's
discoveries and developments, if any, of oil or natural gas properties in
commercial quantities. These variations may also be caused by the volatility
associated with oil and gas prices. See "Oil And Gas Prices; Marketability Of
Production".
Risks Associated With Management Of Growth
Because of its small size, the Company desires to grow extremely rapidly in
order to achieve certain economies of scale. Although there is no assurance that
this rapid growth will occur, to the extent that it does occur it will place a
significant strain on the Company's financial, technical, operational and
administrative resources. As the Company increases its services and enlarges the
number of projects it is evaluating or in which it is participating, there will
be additional demands on the Company's financial, technical and administrative
resources. The failure to continue to upgrade the Company's technical,
administrative, operating and financial control systems or the occurrence of
unexpected expansion difficulties, including the recruitment and retention of
geoscientists and engineers, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Dependence On Key Personnel
The Company will be highly dependent on the services of D. Scott
Singdahlsen and its other geological and geophysical staff members. The loss of
the services of any of them could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company does not have an employment contract with Mr. Singdahlsen or any
other employee.
Concentration Of Risks; Lack Of Diverse Business Operations
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The Company is currently pursuing only the oil and gas exploration
business. Although the Company is involved in other oil and gas projects, it is
concentrating the majority of its initial oil and gas exploration efforts on
approximately 60,000 gross and 31,000 net exploratory acres in the San Joaquin
basin. Although the Company is involved in three separate and distinct projects
in the San Joaquin basin, the Company's exploration efforts are concentrated in
this same general area and this lack of diverse business operations subjects the
Company to a certain degree of concentration of risks. The future success of the
Company may be dependent upon its success in discovering and developing oil and
gas in commercial quantities on its San Joaquin properties and upon the general
economic success of the oil and gas industry.
Certain Definitions
Unless otherwise indicated in this Annual Report, natural gas volumes are
stated at the legal pressure base of the state or area in which the reserves are
located at 60(degree)Fahrenheit. Oil equivalents are determined using the ratio
of 6 Mcf of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil, condensate or natural gas
liquids so that 6 Mcf of natural gas are referred to as one barrel of oil
equivalent or "BOE".
As used in this Annual Report, the following terms have the following
specific meanings: "Mcf" means thousand cubic feet, "Bcf" means billion cubic
feet, "Bbl" means barrel, "MBbl" means thousand barrels, "MMBoe" means million
barrels of oil equivalent, "MMBbl" means million barrels, "MMBO" means million
barrels of oil, "BBO" means billion barrels of oil and "Tcf" means trillion
cubic feet.
With respect to information concerning the Company's working interests in
wells or drilling locations, "gross" gas and oil wells or "gross" acres is the
number of wells or acres in which the Company has an interest, and "net" gas and
oil wells or "net" acres are determined by multiplying "gross" wells or acres by
the Company's working interest in those wells or acres. A "working interest" in
an oil and gas lease is an interest that gives the owner the right to drill,
produce, and conduct operating activities on the property and to receive a share
of production of any hydrocarbons covered by the lease. A working interest in an
oil and gas lease also entitles its owner to a proportionate interest in any
well located on the lands covered by the lease, subject to all royalties,
overriding royalties and other burdens, to all costs and expenses of
exploration, development and operation of any well located on the lease, and to
all risks in connection therewith.
A "development well" is a well drilled as an additional well to the same
horizon or horizons as other producing wells on a prospect, or a well drilled on
a spacing unit adjacent to a spacing unit with an existing well capable of
commercial production and which is intended to extend the proven limits of a
prospect. The latter type of development well drilling is known as "step-out
drilling". An "exploratory well" is a well drilled to find commercially
productive hydrocarbons in an unproved area, or to extend significantly a known
prospect.
"Reserves" means natural gas and crude oil, condensate and natural gas
liquids on a net revenue interest basis, found to be commercially recoverable.
"Proved developed reserves" includes proved developed producing reserves and
proved developed behind-pipe reserves. "Proved developed producing reserves"
includes only those reserves expected to be recovered from existing completion
intervals in casing of existing wells when the cost of making such reserves
available for production is relatively small compared to the cost of a new well.
"Proved undeveloped reserves" includes those reserves expected to be recovered
from new wells on proved undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a
relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.
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"Infill drilling" means drilling of an additional well or additional wells
in order to more adequately drain a reservoir.
"Stratigraphic trap" means a barrier that impedes the migration of
hydrocarbons caused by either a nonporous formation sealing off the top edge of
a reservoir bed or by a change of porosity and permeability within the reservoir
bed itself. "Strategraphic play" means a prospect targeted to test a
strategraphic trap.
"API" means a measure of gravity based on standards set by the American
Petroleum Institute.
"Cretaceous D-Sand and J-Sand reservoirs" means sandstone reservoirs that
contain hydrocarbons of Cretaceous age that are found in the Denver basin of
Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.
"Cretaceous incised valley-filled reservoirs" means sandstone reservoirs of
Cretaceous age that were deposited in valleys carved into underlying strata
during a period of falling sea level.
"Cretaceous reservoirs" means rock reservoirs most commonly comprised of
sandstone that were deposited during the Cretaceous Period. The Cretaceous
Period occurred between 66 and 144 million years before present.
"Down-spaced drilling" means a method of development drilling whereby well
density in a given area is increased by drilling between existing wells.
"Palynology analysis" means an analysis of a rock sequence through
examination of contained spores and/or pollen. A method of age dating strata.
"Reserve capture" means the quantification of hydrocarbon reserves as a
result of drilling and testing a reservoir.
"Steam floods" means a secondary recovery technique whereby steam is
injected into a hydrocarbon reservoir in an effort to mobilize heavy (tarry)
oil.
"Subthrust structure" means a fold of strata which is found beneath a
thrust fault.
"Swept reservoir pods" means distinct sandstone units that have been
depleted of hydrocarbons through the secondary recovery method of waterflooding.
"Thrusted anticlinal feature" means a fold of geologic strata that is
bounded by a trust fault, which is a fault that results in older strata
overlying younger strata.
"Turbidite" means a stratigraphic sequence deposited by turbidity currents,
commonly associated with submarine canyons.
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Strategy
The Company's business strategy is to continue to enhance shareholder value
by leveraging its technical experience and expertise with 3-D seismic technology
to identify exploration and exploitation projects with significant potential
reserves and economic results based on the application of appropriate technology
and suitable project risk management. The Company's ongoing goal is to increase
its reserve base through a focus on mature hydrocarbon basins where it believes
that the historical under-utilization of seismic technology creates tremendous
opportunities. It is the Company's view point that the systematic application of
advanced seismic imaging and visualization to exploration can significantly
reduce drilling risk and enhance financial results. The Company's strategy is to
focus on applying 3-D seismic technology to explore properties that lie within
these mature basins and that offer oil and gas reserves that would be materially
significant to the Company.
The Company has a three-pronged corporate approach for the application of
exploration technology in these mature basins. The three components of this
strategy are set forth below:
* Internal generation of exploration and exploitation prospects with
special emphasis on 3-D seismic application to stratigraphic play concepts.
* Identification and exploitation of non-performing and under-utilized
existing 3-D seismic surveys and acreage positions in which the application
of technical expertise and advanced interpretation and visualization
methodologies could significantly impact drilling results.
* Development of alliances with exploration and production companies that
lack advanced technical resources and expertise.
Exploration and Operating Approach
The Company focuses its technical resources on obtaining the highest
quality subsurface image through advanced geological and geophysical methods,
which it believes are more likely to result in the cost effective identification
of oil and gas reserves that are materially significant. The Company is
committed to providing its technical team with access to the required tools and
support necessary to retain a competitive advantage in today's exploration
environment. The Company strives to provide its geoscientists with the most
advanced imaging and analytical technology available and provides employee
incentives to utilize for the recruitment and motivation of these technical
experts.
The Company adheres to a disciplined approach to selective project
participation. The Company participates only in those projects that it believes
are likely to maximize the return on its capital investment, have significant
reserve growth potential, and benefit from the application of advanced seismic
technology. The Company believes that these factors result in a positive impact
to the finding-cost and production economics. The Company actively and
continually manages its portfolio of exploration and exploitation projects. The
aggressive portfolio management enables the Company to maximize the investment
of available capital in a limited number of high impact geologic plays and
projects.
The Company generates many of its exploration and exploitation projects
internally, and therefore is not dependent on outside parties for project flow.
The Company strives to control all the pre-drill exploration phases, including
the acreage position and the application of seismic technology. With the
resulting project control, the Company is in the position to fully manage the
exploration process and determine subject to its financial resources, the
appropriate level of working interest that it retains in the drilling of any
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associated wells. The Company aggressively leverages its project control and
technical expertise to potential industry partners thereby maximizing return on
investment while controlling capital exposure. The Company does not intend to
operate the drilling of project wells, but intends to retain the flexibility to
maintain a sufficient working interest in projects to enhance leverage of its
technical resources and influence operator actions.
Significant Projects
The Company's exploration activities are primarily focused on the southern
San Joaquin basin of California. The Company also has projects identified in
selective Rocky Mountain basins. Advanced seismic imaging of the structural and
stratigraphic complexities, common to these regions, provides the Company with
enhanced ability to identify significant hydrocarbon potential. A number of
these projects, especially in the San Joaquin basin, offer multiple drilling
opportunities with individual wells having the potential capability of
encountering multiple reservoirs.
The following provides a summary and status of the Company's exploration
areas and significant projects. While actively pursuing specific exploration
activities in each of the following areas, the Company is continually reviewing
additional opportunities in these core areas and in other areas that meet
certain exploration and exploitation criteria. There is no assurance that
drilling opportunities will continue to be identified in the current project
portfolio or will be successful if drilled.
Southern San Joaquin Basin, California
The San Joaquin basin of California has proven to be one of the most
productive hydrocarbon producing basins in the continental United States. To
date, the approximately 14,000 square mile basin has produced in excess of 12.7
billion barrels of oil equivalent, and contains 25 fields classified as giant,
with cumulative production of more than 100 MMBoe.
The San Joaquin contains six of the 25 largest oil fields in the U.S. All
six of these fields were discovered between 1890 and 1911, a full decade prior
to the discovery of the first giant Texas oil field. The basin accounts for 34
percent of California's actively producing fields, yet produces more than 75
percent of the state's total oil and gas production. Most of the production
within the basin is located along the western and southern end of Kern County.
San Joaquin basin production totals for 1997 reported by the California
Department of Oil and Gas for all producers in the aggregate indicate total
production of 246.9 MMBoe. Of this figure, Kern County accounts for over 90
percent of the oil production from the San Joaquin Basin.
Exploration Opportunity. For the 100 plus years of its productive life, the
San Joaquin Basin has been dominated by major oil companies and large fee
acreage holdings. As a result of these conditions, the basin has generally been
under-explored by independent exploration and production companies, groups that
usually bring advanced technologies to their exploration efforts. The large
fields in the basin were all discovered on surface anticlines and produce mostly
heavy oil from depths of less than 5,000 feet. As a consequence, basin operators
have employed only those advanced engineering technologies related to enhanced
production practices including steam floods and most recently, horizontal
drilling.
The basin as a whole has suffered from a lack of applied exploration
technology and deep drilling. Approximately one percent of the total basin wells
have been drilled to a depth greater than 12,000 feet, with none of the 2,000
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wells drilled during 1996 being to a depth greater than 12,000 feet. Additional
1996 statistics indicate that the average well depth drilled during the year was
just slightly more than 1,800 feet. Three-dimensional seismic has been employed
only in limited quantity and in certain areas of the basin.
Tenneco and ARCO shot a limited number of 3-D surveys in the mid- to
late-1980s on the Bakersfield Arch and to the south in the Yowlumne area. With
the ongoing retrenchment of majors in the basin, independents such as Torch,
Nuevo Energy, Vintage Petroleum, HarCor Energy and Enron Oil & Gas have moved
into prominent positions within the basin and are bringing applied geoscience
technologies with them. More 3-D surveys have been acquired in the last two
years than in all the previous years combined. This trend is expected to
accelerate in the upcoming years as a renewed emphasis is placed on 3-D seismic
exploitation and exploration.
With limited exploration in the San Joaquin basin since the "boom" days of
the early 1980s, the Company believes that multiple exploration opportunities
are available. Deep basin targets, both structural and stratigraphic in nature,
remain largely untested with modern seismic technology and the drill bit. In
addition, retrenchment of the majors in the basin has caused many of them to
rethink their policies regarding their large fee acreage positions. For the
first time in history, many of these companies are opening up these fee acreage
positions to outside exploration by aggressive independent companies. The
Company has identified and negotiated exclusive access to three high-potential
exploration plays in the southern San Joaquin basin.
East Lost Hills. The Company has identified and has undertaken technical
analysis of a deep, large untested structure in the footwall of the Lost Hills
thrust. This prospect lies directly east of and structurally below the existing
Lost Hills field, which has produced in excess of 350 MMBoe from shallow pay
zones in a large thrusted anticlinal feature.
This unconventional deep prospect has significant structural and reservoir
risk, but the potential for large reserves makes it an attractive play. In a
joint effort with Denver based Armstrong Resources LLC ("Armstrong"), the
Company has analyzed and interpreted over 350 miles of high-resolution 2-D
seismic data to help refine the structural mapping of the prospect. Advanced
pre-stack depth migration and interpretation clearly defines a deep sub-thrust
structure. Two wells drilled to the east of the prospect, in the mid-1970s,
proved the productivity potential of free oil (42 degree API) and gas at depths
below 17,000 feet. Ongoing source rock and maturation modeling suggests that the
oil generation window exists at depths between 15,000 and 17,000 feet, and that
early migration of hydrocarbons should preserve reservoir quality at East Lost
Hills.
In early 1998, the Company and Armstrong entered into an exploration
agreement with a number of established Canadian partners to participate in the
drilling of an initial exploratory well to fully evaluate the feature. Bellevue
Resources, Inc., a subsidiary of Elk Point Resources, Ltd., is operator of the
well. Currently, other participants in the well are: Berkley Petroleum
Corporation, Ceniarth Inc., Paramount Resources, Ltd., Richland Petroleum
Corporation, Westminister Resources, Ltd, STB Energy, Inc., Kookaburra
Resources, and Hilton Petroleum Company. PYR received cash consideration for its
share of acreage in this play and a carried 6.475% working interest through the
tanks. PYR owns an additional 4.1% working interest for a total before payout
working interest of 10.575%, which reduces to 9.253% after payout.
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The Bellvue Resources et al #1-17 East Lost Hills well, located in SE1/4.
Sec 17, T26S, R21E, Kern County, California, commenced drilling on May 15, 1998.
The well is designed to test prospective Miocene sandstone reservoirs in the
Temblor Formation. During September 1998, the well was sidetracked in an attempt
to gain better structural position and delineate potential uphole pay. On
November 23, 1998, the well was drilling at 17,600 feet toward a total depth of
19,000 feet when it blew out and ignited. No personal injuries resulted, and an
expert well control team was engaged to contain the fire. If the operator and
the well control team are able to bring the well under control, a determination
will then be made concerning the manner in which to proceed. The Company and its
joint working interest owners control approximately 23,000 gross acres of
leasehold over the prospect.
At the time that the #1-17 East Lost Hill well was sidetracked, one of the
participants (the "Declining Participant") claimed that it had the right to
decline to participate in the sidetracking operations and still maintain its
interest in the well, subject to a "non-consent" penalty. The operator and the
other participants dispute the right of the Declining Participant to maintain
its interest in the well on this basis, and proceeded with the sidetracking
operation while denying the Declining Participant's right to maintain its
interest. Although the Company believes its position on this matter is correct,
if it loses this dispute, the after-payout working interest of the Company in
the well and in the other acreage subject to the related exploration agreement
could be reduced to approximately 9.085%.
School Road/Southeast Maricopa. The Company has signed a lease and seismic
option with Chevron Production, USA covering exclusive exploration rights on
approximately 22,000 acres of fee land in the Maricopa sub-basin at the southern
end of the San Joaquin valley. The Maricopa sub-basin represents a rapidly
subsiding fore-arc basin containing more than 30,000 feet of post-Jurassic
sediments. The Maricopa area is the location of the major depo-center for
deep-water turbidite deposition in the San Joaquin. The majority of oil produced
in the Maricopa sub-basin and on the Bakersfield arch to the north has come from
the Upper Miocene Stevens and older (Eocene) turbidite sands.
During 1998, the Company completed acquisition of approximately 52 square
miles of 3-D seismic data over its Southeast Maricopa exploration project.
Western Geophysical Company acted as the Company's seismic contractor for the
data acquisition. The processed data was delivered to the Company on October 29,
1998 and the Company is currently in the process of interpreting the data in
order to identify drillable prospects. It is anticipated that the interpretation
will take as long as three months to complete before taking this project to
potential industry partners for participation. The Company intends to sell an
appropriate portion of its interest in this project in order to receive a cash
consideration and/or a carried interest in the drilling of one or more
exploration wells. The Company intends to drill at least one exploration well on
this prospect during the second quarter of calendar 1999. No drilling
commitments have been made or received.
Basin wide, the Stevens sands have produced in excess of 1,350 MMBbl, with
mean field size being in excess of 70 MMBbl. Stevens sand production is
primarily from stratigraphic traps, and ranges in depth from 7,500 feet to over
14,000 feet. Reservoir quality is good with porosites ranging up to the mid 20
percent range. Oil gravities range from 28 to 55 degree API with the lighter oil
occurring in deeper production to the south. With the superior reservoir quality
and light hydrocarbons, the Stevens' reservoirs make an attractive exploration
target with significant potential reserves.
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Directly surrounding the Chevron acreage position, five fields produce from
Stevens equivalent sands. These fields include Landslide (14.9 MMBoe), Paloma
(132.9 MMBoe), Rio Viejo (7.9 MMBoe), San Emido Nose (21.1 MMBoe), and Yowlumne
(117.2 MMBoe). These fields all show stratigraphic trapping mechanisms including
updip sand pinch-outs, lateral facies variation, and differential compaction.
These five fields produced over 1.77 MMBbls of light oil and associated natural
gas in 1997 (1997 Production Statistics, California Department of Oil and Gas),
and have cumulative aggregate historical production in excess of 300 MMBoe. Per
well cumulative production ranges from a low of 690 MBbl to 2.1 MMBbl, with a
mean value of 1.3 MMBbl.
The objective of the School Road/Southeast Maricopa exploration program is
to apply advanced 3-D seismic technology and advanced interpretation methods,
within a detailed sequence stratigraphic framework, to identify stratigraphic
relationships and potential traps. Exploration for Stevens stratigraphic traps
with 2-D seismic data has proven to be largely unsuccessful due to the lack of
sufficient line density to resolve the stratigraphic complexity necessary to
delineate trapping mechanisms. The discovery of the Landslide field in 1985
resulted from the application of 3-D seismic exploration. By today's standard,
that data suffered from low fold, low frequency, short offset, and generally
poor imaging of detailed stratigraphic relationships. Advances in field
acquisition, data processing, and visualization methods since the mid-1980s
should allow much more detailed seismic analysis of complex stratigraphic
geometries and trapping mechanisms.
The School Road/Southeast Maricopa exploration agreement with Chevron
involves a drill-to-earn option on more than 22,000 fee acres, a seismic license
to an existing (1992) 42-square-mile 3-D seismic survey (School Road), more than
200 miles of proprietary 2-D seismic data, a proprietary regional sequence
stratigraphic framework based on extensive, detailed palynology analysis, and
all available well file data. This unique database is anticipated to allow the
complete integration of geology and modern 3-D seismic data to identify
potential trapping opportunities within the stratigraphically complex turbidite
systems present in the sub-basin. The drill-to-earn option entitles the Company,
for each well it drills, to earn a 100 percent working interest and a 75 percent
net revenue interest in 1,280 acres in the vicinity of the well drilled.
On June 1, 1998, the Company executed a participation agreement with
Houston based Seneca Resources for the Company's School Road acreage. The drill
to earn agreement provided PYR with a prospect fee and a carried
through-the-tanks working interest in an initial exploration well. PYR would
ultimately retain a 40% working interest in the School Road acreage. Drilling
operations on the Federal #67X-30 located in SE1/4, SEC 30, T32S, R25E were
commenced on July 28, 1998. The well was drilled to a total depth of 12,508 feet
and although hydrocarbons were encountered, detailed log analsysis of the well
indicated that the reservoir was tight and incapable of sustaining commercial
production. The well was plugged and abandoned on September 18, 1998. PYR is
currently evaluating the results of the well and incorporating the new well
control into the seismic model in order to determine any potential future
exploration opportunities at its School Road acreage.
San Emidio. In November 1998, the Company exchanged 266,666 shares of its
common stock for 39 square miles of 3-D seismic data and oil and gas leases
covering approximately 5,400 acres adjacent to the Company's Southeast Maricopa
exploration project. The Company intends to incorporate this 3-D seismic data
with the newly acquired data at its Southeast Maricopa acreage in order to
further understand the complex stratigraphic geometries and trapping mechanisms.
After interpretation and evaluation, there have been two prospective areas
identified within the acreage position. The Company may present this project to
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potential industry partners in conjunction with its Southeast Maricopa project
or may create an independent project for presentation. The Company's approach
will be to obtain industry partner participation in order to receive a carried
interest in the drilling of one or more exploration wells. The Company expects
to drill an exploration well here in the first or second quarter of calendar
year 1999. No drilling commitments have been made or received.
Denver Basin, Colorado and Nebraska
The Denver Basin covers approximately 60,000 square miles in parts of
Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. The basin was the second area in the United
States to produce oil from drilled wells, and has produced more than one billion
barrels of oil equivalent to date. Published statistical studies indicate that
an additional 150 MMBoe to 200 MMBoe of reserves remain to be discovered in this
mature basin from Cretaceous reservoirs in stratigraphic traps.
During the past 10 years, the Denver basin has been one of the most
actively drilled areas in the U.S. due to low drilling costs and low reserve
base risk. Most of the activity has centered on down-spaced drilling for
Codell/Niobrara and Sussex/Shannon/ Parkman targets in the Wattenburg area, a
basin-center gas accumulation.
As continued drilling activity has resulted in decreasing availability of
additional well locations, major Wattenburg operators (HS Resources, Patina Oil
& Gas, Prima, NARCO) are experiencing significant retreat, retrenchment and
consolidation of their operations. Decreased activity drilling for shallow gas
offers the Company an opportunity to acquire land and/or seismic options to
explore and exploit the deeper oil prone 'D' and 'J' sandstone reservoirs.
Production from these Cretaceous reservoirs results from stratigraphic trapping
in an incised valley-fill depositional system. Cretaceous D-Sand and J-Sand
reservoirs have been the traditional exploration targets within the Denver
basin. These reservoirs account for the majority of production to date in the
basin, with cumulative production from the D-Sand totaling 386.6 MMBoe and
J-Sand production totaling 743.4 MMBoe. Modern sequence stratigraphic models and
strong structural control on deposition indicate that these traps are
predictable both in geometry and orientation.
While seismic data has been employed in the basin since the mid-1950s, the
success of 2-D seismic exploration has been limited by stratigraphic trapping
and the complex nature of the reservoir systems. The emergence of 3-D seismic
technology has created exciting new exploration opportunities in the basin.
While the handful of 3-D surveys acquired to date in the basin have proven to be
economic successes, the downturn in basin-wide activity has resulted in
significant underutilization of this exploration application. The Company
proposes to capitalize on 3-D seismic exploration opportunities generated
internally, and through opportunities arising from the recent, ongoing
consolidation and retrenchment of major basin operators.
Exploration Opportunity. Historically, exploration in the Denver basin has
been dominated by small, low-cost operators employing subsurface and
"trend-ology" geological mapping methods. The lack of applied technology and the
stratigraphic reservoir complexity in the basin has resulted in low drilling
success rates and overall poor economic results. Expanded use of 3-D seismic
technology to image D-Sand and J-Sand reservoir should enhance the economic
results and expedite the discovery process. To date, less than 20 3-D seismic
surveys have been acquired within the Denver basin. Geoscientists employed by
the Company have been directly involved in eight of these projects. These
projects have proven the economic viability of 3-D seismic in unraveling the
stratigraphic complexity and productivity of Cretaceous incised valley-fill
reservoirs and have resulted in the identification and production of significant
incremental reserves.
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Geological and geophysical methodologies developed internally by the
Company allow for the identification and differentiation of significant economic
reserves from the background of marginal producers common in the Denver basin.
The application of these methodologies result in the potential for discovery of
significant reserves with high success rates and low finding costs. The Company
proposes to undertake a systematic exploration/exploitation effort in the Denver
basin. A regional stratigraphic framework for Cretaceous reservoirs has been
constructed leading to the identification of numerous D-Sand and J-Sand leads
and prospects. Detailed geologic work is underway to refine these leads and
prospects with regard to prospectivity, reserve potential and applicability of
3-D seismic imaging. The centerpiece of the proposed exploration/exploitation
effort will be the application of 3-D seismic to delineate and resolve
stratigraphic traps. Previous experience with 3-D seismic technology in the
Denver basin has provided a competitive advantage in risk reduction and
identification of prospective drilling locations. The Company has one
exploitation project underway in the basin, and is continuing efforts to develop
and define additional opportunities.
Big Horn Basin, Wyoming and Montana
The Big Horn basin of Wyoming and Montana is an asymmetric intermountain
basin of the Rocky Mountain foreland. Initial production was established in the
basin in 1906 with the discovery of Garland field. Cumulative production from
the basin is in excess of 2.4 BBO and 1.8 TCF of gas. The vast majority of this
production has come from Paleozoic reservoirs trapped in basin-margin anticlinal
structures. The majority of major field discoveries (greater than 90 percent of
field total and cumulative production) were made prior to 1950.
Exploration Opportunity. While most of the early exploration in the basin
was the result of mapping of surface structures, recent exploration efforts have
focused on the application of detailed subsurface mapping to delineate
structural complexities not previously observed. Because most of the producing
anticlines are structurally uncomplicated at their surface expression, little
exploration effort has historically been applied to defining structural
compartmentalization and secondary culminations at depth. The advent of modern
geophysical technology, including the application of 3-D seismic, has increased
the ability to resolve the structural complexity of producing intervals. Recent
exploration and exploitation success at fields such as Gooseberry, Manderson,
Golden Eagle, and Enigma have resulted from this increased effort to understand
and delineate smaller-scaled secondary structural features.
The Company sees multiple exploration and exploitation opportunities in the
basin to identify unrecognized and untested structural culminations along
producing trends. Multiple potentially productive horizons exist on many of
these structural features creating attractive project economics and exploration
finding costs. The Company has identified a number of individual project focus
areas, and has secured a lease position, covering approximately 2,080 gross and
2,080 net acres, on its first exploration project in the basin. There are no
immediate plans to commence drilling on this prospect.
North Zimmerman Butte. The Company has developed an exploration lead, based
on subsurface geological analysis, north and west of the Zimmerman Butte field.
Zimmerman Butte field was discovered in 1945 and has produced over 1.3 MMBO from
several reservoirs. The productive area of the field covers less than 350 acres
on a surface structural feature that extends along trend for approximately five
miles. Subsurface analysis has indicated the possible presence of multiple
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subsidiary structural features along this structural trend. Based on the
production potential of these structural leads, the Company renewed a BLM lease
covering 2080 acres. The leasehold position covers some but not all of the
prospective acreage along the trend. The Company intends to undertake additional
geological and geophysical analysis before drilling a test well. There are no
immediate plans to commence drilling on this project.
Geological and Geophysical Expertise
The Company's oil and gas finding capabilities are dependent upon the
effective application of 3-D seismic imaging technologies. The Company has
assembled a technically experienced staff of in-house geologists and
geophysicists with extensive experience involving the utilization of advanced
seismic data imaging and analysis, and have collectively participated in more
than 100 3-D seismic projects in diverse geological trends.
The Company also has access, both in-house and through consultants, to
state-of-the-art exploration hardware and software applications. The Company
owns one computer aided exploration workstation running the full suite of
GeoGraphix geologic mapping and analysis software. Additionally, the Company
owns one geophysical workstation employing SeisX 2-D and 3-D seismic
interpretation and analysis software. Through a strategic alliance with a
Denver-based 3-D seismic consulting firm (Interactive Earth Sciences
Corporation), the Company has full access to multiple UNIX-based seismic
interpretation workstations running the complete Schlumberger/GeoQuest seismic
analysis software package. Through this relationship, the Company also has full
access to GMA seismic modeling software as well as Paradigm Geophysical's
GeoDepth pre-stack depth migration software package.
Drilling Activities
During 1998, the Company commenced the drilling of an initial exploration
well at its East Lost Hills Prospect. On November 23, 1998, a blowout occurred
on this well. See "-- Significant Projects -- Southern San Joaquin Basin,
California". The Company also drilled one unsuccessful exploratory well at its
School Road project. The Company anticipates the drilling of at least two
additional exploratory wells during 1999, depending on ongoing exploration
efforts in California and Colorado.
Production
The Company currently does not own any oil or gas production. The Company
has no immediate plans to acquire or purchase any production. The Company also
has no booked reserves at the current time and any near-term reserve additions
would result from successful exploration efforts.
Acreage
The Company currently controls, through lease, farmout, and option, the
following acreage position as detailed below:
State Gross Acres Net Acres
----- ----------- ---------
California 59,914 30,754
Colorado 80 80
Wyoming 2,080 2,080
------- ----------- ---------
TOTAL 62,074 32,914
Competitive Advantage
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The Company believes that the cumulative experience of its technical and
management team, with past exposure to more than 100 3-D seismic projects
covering approximately 1,500 square miles in diverse geologic trends throughout
the world results in a strong competitive advantage relative to current
competition in these focus areas. The Company currently has three full-time
geoscientists and a landman who are specialists in a variety of technical
aspects and have extensive experience and expertise in numerous geologic
regions.
The Company's expertise in the application of advanced seismic
interpretation methods includes many of the "cutting-edge" technologies
necessary in today's competitive exploration environment. These advanced
techniques include 3-D seismic visualization, attribute analysis, geostatistical
modeling, pre-stack depth migration, and the integration of geological and
engineering data in support of reservoir characterization. These advanced
seismic interpretation methods allow the Company to leverage its 3-D seismic
experience and expertise with significant exploration and exploitation
opportunities.
The Company generates the majority of its exploration and exploitation
projects internally, and therefore is not dependent on third parties for project
flow. This results in full control of all pre-drill exploration phases including
the acreage position and application of seismic technology.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceeding (nor is the
Company's property subject of a pending legal proceeding) that the Company
believes would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and has
been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board since November 1996. Effective as of
November 12, 1997, the Company's trading symbol was changed from "MRVI" to
"PYRX".
The table below presents the range of high and low bid prices for the
Company's Common Stock during each of the quarters indicated. These quotations
were obtained from brokers who make a market in the Company's Common Stock and
reflect interdealer prices, without retail mark up, mark down or commission, and
may not represent actual transactions.
Bid Prices
----------
Quarter Ended High Low
------------- ---- ---
November 30, 1996 .125 .12
February 28, 1997 .0625 .0625
May 31, 1997 .1875 .1875
August 31, 1997 1.6875 .25
November 30, 1997 2.00 1.4375
February 28, 1998 1.875 .6875
May 31, 1998 1.4375 .70
August 31, 1998 1.1875 .41
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On December 2, 1998, the closing bid price for the Company's Common Stock
was $2.25 per share.
Number Of Stockholders Of Record
On December 2, 1998, the number of stockholders of record of the Company
was approximately 692.
Dividend Policy
The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock
since its formation and does not presently anticipate paying any cash dividends
on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to
retain any future earnings to finance the expansion and continued development of
its business.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and comparison of the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company as of and for the twelve months ended
August 31, 1998 ("1998"), and as of and for the eight months ended August 31,
1997 ("1997"). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
Financial Statements, the notes related thereto, and the other financial data
included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.
Overview
The Company is an independent oil and gas exploration company whose
strategic focus is the application of advanced seismic imaging and computer
aided exploration technologies in the systematic search for commercial
hydrocarbon reserves, primarily in the onshore western United States. The
Company attempts to leverage its technical experience and expertise with 3-D
seismic to identify exploration and exploitation projects with significant
potential economic return. The Company intends to participate in selected
exploration projects as a non-operating, working interest owner, sharing both
risk and rewards with its partners. The Company has pursued, and will continue
to pursue, exploration opportunities in regions where the Company believes
significant opportunity for discovery of oil and gas exists. By attempting to
reduce drilling risk through 3-D seismic technology, the Company seeks to
improve the expected return on investment in its oil and gas exploration
projects.
During 1998, the Company incurred approximately $439,000 for costs related
to continued leasing and optioning of acreage predominately in California,
$2,046,000 for costs relating to 3-D seismic acquisition over its Southeast
Maricopa acreage, and $118,000 in drilling costs associated with drilling the
deep exploration well at East Lost Hills. The Company had no revenues from oil
and gas production during 1998.
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During 1997, the Company incurred approximately $311,000 for acquisition of
acreage and exclusive rights to undertake exploration activities with respect to
its projects. The Company undertook no drilling and had no revenues from oil and
gas production during 1997. To finance its operations and obtain funds for
additional capital expenditures relating to its exploration projects, the
Company sold equity securities through private placement offerings raising
approximately $1,743,000 net to the Company.
The Company currently anticipates that it will participate in the drilling
of at least two exploratory wells during its fiscal year ending August 31, 1999
("1999"), although the number of wells may increase as additional projects are
added to the Company's portfolio. However, there can be no assurance that any
such wells will be drilled and if drilled that any of these wells will be
successful. See "ITEMS 1 AND 2. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES-Start-Up
Nature Of The Company's Oil And Gas Business; Absence Of Profits."
The Company's future financial results continue to depend primarily on (i)
the Company's ability to discover commercial quantities of hydrocarbons; (ii)
the market price for oil and gas; (iii) the Company's ability to continue to
source and screen potential projects; and (iv) the Company' s ability to fully
implement its exploration and development program. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be successful in any of these respects or that the prices
of oil and gas prevailing at the time of production will be at a level allowing
for profitable production. See "ITEMS 1 AND 2. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND
PROPERTIES-Start-Up Nature of The Company's Oil And Gas Business; Absence Of
Profits," "- Substantial Capital Requirements And Liquidity" and "- Risks Of
Exploratory Drilling Activities."
Results of Operations
The twelve months ended August 31, 1998 ("1998") compared with the eight
months ended August 31, 1997 ("1997")
Oil and Gas Revenues and Expenses. At August 31, 1998 (and at December 2,
1998), the Company did not own any producing or proved oil and gas properties.
No oil and gas production revenues or expenses have been recorded by the
Company. The Company recorded a dry hole impairment of $15,000 associated with
its unsuccessful exploration well drilled in 1998 on its "School Road" acreage.
Consulting Fee Revenue. The Company generated $10,000 and $80,000 from
consulting fees in 1998 and 1997, respectively. These revenues are considered to
be ancillary to the Company's focus of generating revenues from oil and gas
production. These revenues have ceased completely and are not expected to occur
at any time in the future.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. The Company recorded no depletion
expense from oil and gas properties in 1998 or 1997. At August 31, 1998 (and at
December 2, 1998), the Company did not own any proved reserves and has no oil or
gas production. The Company recorded $22,000 and $1,000 in depreciation expense
associated with capitalized office furniture and equipment during 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The Company also recorded nominal amortization expense associated
with organization costs during 1998 and 1997.
General and Administrative Expense. The Company incurred $675,000 and
$125,000 in general and administrative expenses during 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The increase results from incurring costs associated with the
hiring of technical personnel, leasing of office space, and legal and accounting
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and other costs associated with administering and pursuing the development of
the Company's exploration and exploitation plan. In addition, there is a natural
disparity occurring from comparing a twelve month period (1998) to an eight
month period (1997).
Gain On Sale of Oil and Gas Properties. During 1998, the Company sold down
a portion of its East Lost Hills project to industry partners for a total of
$850,000, resulting in a net gain to the Company of $556,000. The Company has
retained a working interest in this property.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At August 31, 1998, the Company had a negative working capital amount of
($938,000). In October and November 1998, the Company completed a private
placement which provided a total of $2,500,000 to the Company. The private
placement securities issued are 10% convertible notes that will automatically
convert to 10% convertible preferred stock at the time, if any, that PYR has
obtained stockholder approval for, and issued, the convertible preferred shares.
The preferred stock is ultimately convertible into common stock at a conversion
price of $.60 per common share. To date, the Company has funded its oil and gas
exploration activities principally through cash provided by the sale of its
securities.
Cash used in investing activities during 1998 totaled $400,000. Of this
amount, $1,407,000 was used in conjunction with the Company's oil and gas
exploration and exploitation plan and $43,000 was used for office furniture and
equipment. The Company offset these expenditures by generating $1,050,000 in
proceeds from the sale of oil and gas properties.
The Company had no outstanding long-term debt at August 31, 1998 other than
a capital lease obligation and has not entered into any commodity swap
arrangements or hedging transactions. Although it has no current plans to do so,
it may enter into commodity swap and/or hedging transactions in the future in
conjunction with oil and gas production. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance
that the Company will ever have oil and gas production. Subsequent to the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998, the Company had issued a total of $2,500,000 in 10%
convertible notes. These notes automatically convert to 10% convertible
preferred stock at the time, if any, that PYR has obtained stockholder approval
for, and issued, the convertible preferred shares. The Company incurred costs of
approximately $65,000 in connection with the issuance of the notes.
It is anticipated that the future development of the Company's business
will require additional capital expenditures. The Company is currently in the
process of interpreting and evaluating 3-D seismic data on two of its California
exploration projects and is in the process of drilling and evaluating an
exploration well at East Lost Hills. Depending upon the extent of industry
participation in the two seismic generated exploration projects and the ultimate
results at East Lost Hills, the Company may require as much as $4,800,000 for
capital expenditures during the 12 month period ending August 31, 1999. See
"ITEMS 1 AND 2. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES-Substantial Capital
Requirements And Liquidity". The Company intends to limit capital expenditures
by forming industry alliances and exchanging an appropriate portion of its
interest for cash and/or a carried interest in its exploration projects.
Although currently there are no commitments for additional funding, the Company
may need to raise additional funds to cover capital expenditures. In addition,
the exploratory well at East Lost Hills experienced a blowout on November 23,
1998. Although the Company currently believes that costs related to the blowout
and the release of potential pollutants into the atmosphere are covered by
insurance, there is no assurance that this is the case. Until the blowout is
brought under control and the Company and the operator of the well can assess
the situation and potential costs, the Company will not be able to know the
extent of any additional costs and the possible need for additional funding to
cover any such costs. See "ITEMS 1 AND 2. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND
PROPERTIES--Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements And Cautionary
Statements--Cautionary Statements" and "--Significant Properties--Southern San
Joaquin Basin, California".
20
<PAGE>
Year 2000 Compliance
Year 2000 compliance is the ability of computer hardware and software to
respond to the problems posed by the fact that computer programs traditionally
have used two digits rather than four digits to define an applicable year. As a
consequence, any of the Company's computer programs that have date-sensitive
software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
2000. This could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing
interruption of operations, including temporary inability to perform 3-D seismic
analysis and to perform accounting functions and delays in the receipt of
payments from purchasers of oil and gas production, if any. The Company
currently is reviewing the Company's computers and software as well as other
equipment that utilizes imbedded computer chips, such as facsimile machines and
telephone systems. The Company believes that its review will be completed prior
to June 30, 1999. The Company has confirmed with the maker of its accounting
software that it is Year 2000 compliant.
Until the Company's Year 2000 review has been completed, the Company has no
estimate of the cost to correct any potential deficiency in Year 2000 compliance
for its computers and equipment. Upon the completion of the Company's Year 2000
review, the Company intends to develop a contingency plan to address potential
Year 2000 problems.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Financial Statements that constitute Item 7 are attached at the end of
this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB. An index to these Financial Statements is set
forth below:
Page
----
Independent Auditor's Report F-2
Balance Sheets
August 31, 1997 and August 31, 1998 F-3
Statements of Operations
Period from Inception (May 31, 1996) to
December 31, 1996, Eight Months Ended
August 31, 1997 and Year Ended August 31, 1998 F-4
Statements of Members'/Stockholders' Equity
Period from Inception (May 31, 1996) to
December 31, 1996, Eight Months Ended
August 31, 1997 and Year Ended August 31, 1998 F-5
Statements of Cash Flows
Period from Inception (May 31, 1996) to
December 31, 1996, Eight Months Ended
August 31, 1997 and Year Ended August
31, 1998 F-6 - F-7
Notes To Financial Statements F-8 - F-17
21
<PAGE>
All other schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable, not required, or
the information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
The directors and executive officers of the Company, their respective
positions and ages, and the year in which each director was first elected, are
set forth in the following table. Each director has been elected to hold office
until the next annual meeting of stockholders and thereafter until his successor
is elected and has qualified. Additional information concerning each of these
individuals follows the table.
Name Age Position with the Company Director Since
---- --- ------------------------- --------------
D. Scott Singdahlsen 40 Chief Executive Officer, 1997
President, and Chairman
of the Board
Robert B. Suydam 60 Vice President--Geology and Director 1998
Andrew P. Calerich 34 Chief Financial Officer and Secretary ---
Keith F. Carney 42 Director 1997
D. Scott Singdahlsen has served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and
Chairman of the Board of the Company since August 1997. Mr. Singdahlsen
co-founded PYR Energy, LLC in 1996, and served as General Manager and
Exploration Coordinator. In 1992, Mr. Singdahlsen co-founded Interactive Earth
Sciences Corporation, a 3-D seismic management and interpretation consulting
firm in Denver, where he served as vice president and president and lead seismic
interpretation specialist from 1992 to 1996. Prior to forming Interactive Earth
Sciences Corporation, Mr. Singdahlsen was employed as a Development Geologist
for Chevron USA in the Rocky Mountain region. At Chevron, Mr. Singdahlsen was
involved in 3-D seismic reservoir characterization projects and geostatistical
analysis. Mr. Singdahlsen started his career at UNOCAL as an Exploration
Geologist in Midland, Texas. Mr. Singdahlsen earned a B.A. in Geology from
Hamilton College and a M.S. in Structural Geology from Montana State University.
22
<PAGE>
Robert B. Suydam has served as a Director of the Company since October
1998. Mr. Suydam has served as Vice-President - Geology of the Company since
August 1997 and was Secretary of the Company from August 1997 until May 1998.
Mr. Suydam co-founded PYR Energy, LLC in 1996 and served as Chief Geologist.
From 1985 until 1996, Mr. Suydam served as exploration coordinator for Snyder
Oil, Gerrity Oil, and Energy Minerals in Denver. Prior to this employment, Mr.
Suydam served as Vice President of Exploration for National Oil Company, and as
Exploration Manager for Hamilton Brothers Oil Company in Denver and Calgary. Mr.
Suydam started his career as an exploration geologist at Texaco in Denver,
Calgary, and New Orleans. Mr. Suydam earned a B.S. and M.S. in Geology from the
University of Wyoming.
Andrew P. Calerich has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company
since August 1997 and as Secretary of the Company since May 1998. From 1993 to
1997, Mr. Calerich was a business consultant specializing in accounting for
private oil and gas producers in Denver. From 1990 to 1993, Mr. Calerich was
employed as corporate Controller at Tipperary Corporation, a public oil and gas
company in Denver. Mr. Calerich began his professional career in public
accounting in the tax department at Arthur Andersen & Company. Mr. Calerich is a
Certified Public Accountant and earned B.S. degrees in both Accounting and
Business Administration at Regis College.
Keith F. Carney has served as a Director of the Company since August 1997.
Since October 1997, Mr. Carney has been Executive Vice-President of Cheniere
Energy, Inc., a Houston based public oil and gas exploration company. From July
1997 until October 1997, Mr. Carney served as Chief Financial Officer of
Cheniere Energy. After earning his M.B.A. degree from the University of Denver
in 1992, Mr. Carney was employed as a Securities Analyst in the oil and gas
exploration/production sector with Smith Barney, Inc. Mr. Carney began his
career as an exploration Geologist at Shell Oil after earning B.S. and M.S.
degrees in Geology from Lehigh University.
Other Key Employees - Other key employees of the Company include the following:
Kenneth R. Berry, Jr. has served as land manager for the Company since
October 1997. Mr. Berry is responsible for the management of all land issues
including leasing and permitting. Mr. Berry has 23 years of experience as an
independent landman. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Berry served as the
managing land consultant for Swift Energy Company in the Rocky Mountain region.
Mr. Berry began his career in the land department with Tenneco Oil Company after
earning a B.A. degree in Petroleum Land Management at the University of Texas -
Austin.
Lisa A. Mallin has served as Geologist-CAEX for the Company since August
1997. Ms. Mallin is responsible for all aspects of computer aided exploration
including mapping and geophysical workstation system administration. Prior to
joining the Company, Ms. Mallin served in various exploration and production
capacities with Amoco, Snyder Oil, Intera Information Technologies, NICOR Oil
and Gas, Louisiana Land and Exploration, and Amerada Hess. Ms. Mallin earned a
B.A. degree in Geology from the University of Northern Colorado.
Board And Committee Meetings
23
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors met seven times during the fiscal year ended August
31, 1998 and all directors were present at each of those meetings.
The Board of Directors currently has a Compensation Committee which met one
time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 and both members of the
Compensation Committee participated in that meeting. The Compensation Committee
has the authority to establish policies concerning compensation and employee
benefits for employees of the Company. The Compensation Committee reviews and
makes recommendations concerning the Company's compensation policies and the
implementation of those policies and determines compensation and benefits for
executive officers. The Compensation Committee currently consists of the entire
Board. It is anticipated that after the election of additional outside directors
to the Board that the Compensation Committee will be reelected to consist of at
least two outside directors and not the entire Board of Directors.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires the Company's directors, executive officers and
holders of more than 10% of the Company's common stock to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of the Company.
The Company believes that during the year ended August 31, 1998, its officers,
directors and holders of more than 10% of the Company's common stock complied
with all Section 16(a) filing requirements. In making these statements, the
Company has relied upon the written representations of its directors and
officers and the Company's review of the monthly statements of changes filed
with the Company by its officers and directors.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth in summary form the compensation received
during each of the Company's last three successive completed fiscal years by D.
Scott Singdahlsen, the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman Of The
Board of the Company. No executive officer of the Company, including the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chairman Of The Board, received total salary and bonus
exceeding $100,000 during any of the last three fiscal years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Summary Compensation Table
--------------------------
Long Term Compensation
------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
-------------------------------------- ------------------------
Restricted
Other Annual Stock LTIP All other
Name and Principal Position Fiscal Salary Bonus Compensation Awards ($) Options Payouts Compensation
Year ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) (#) ($)(4) ($)(5)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
D. Scott Singdahlsen 1998 $75,000 $-0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chairman 1997 $10,250 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Of the Board
1996 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
24
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
- ----------
(1) The dollar value of base salary (cash and non-cash) received during the year
indicated. Includes $4,000 paid as consulting fees to Mr. Singdahlsen by PYR
Energy, LLC during the period from January 1, 1997 through August 6, 1997.
(2) The dollar value of bonus (cash and non-cash) received during the year
indicated.
(3) During the period covered by the Summary Compensation Table, the Company did
not pay any other annual compensation not properly categorized as salary or
bonus, including perquisites and other personal benefits, securities or
property.
(4) The Company does not have in effect any plan that is intended to serve as
incentive for performance to occur over a period longer than one fiscal year
except for the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan.
(5) All other compensation received that the Company could not properly report
in any other column of the Summary Compensation Table including annual Company
contributions or other allocations to vested and unvested defined contribution
plans, and the dollar value of any insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of,
the Company with respect to term life insurance for the benefit of the named
executive officer, and, the full dollar value of the remainder of the premiums
paid by, or on behalf of, the Company.
1997 Stock Option Plan
In August 1997, the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan") was
adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and subsequently approved by
the Company's stockholders. Pursuant to the 1997 Plan, the Company may grant
options to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock to key employees, directors, and other persons who have contributed or are
contributing to the success of the Company. The options granted pursuant to the
1997 Plan may be either incentive options qualifying for beneficial tax
treatment for the recipient or nonqualified options. The 1997 Plan may be
administered by the Board of Directors or by an option committee. Administration
of the 1997 Plan includes determination of the terms of options granted under
the 1997 Plan. At August 31, 1998, options to purchase 246,000 shares were
outstanding under the 1997 Plan. Options to purchase 435,000 additional shares
subsequently were granted and options to purchase 7,500 shares subsequently
terminated so that, as of December 2, 1998, options to purchase 326,500 shares
may be granted pursuant to the 1997 Plan.
Compensation Of Outside Directors
On May 26, 1998, each Director of the Company who is not also an employee
of the Company ("Outside Director") was granted options to purchase 10,000
shares of Common Stock. The Options are exercisable for $1.28 per share, which
was the average of closing bid and ask price of the Common Stock on the date of
grant. Options to purchase 2,500 shares become exercisable on each of September
1, 1998 and December 1, 1998, and options to purchase 2,500 shares become
exercisable on each of March 1, 1999 and June 1, 1999 if the person continues to
be an Outside Director through those each of those dates. All the options expire
on May 26, 2001. Directors also are reimbursed for expenses incurred in
attending meetings and for other expenses incurred on behalf of the Company.
25
<PAGE>
Employment Contracts And Termination of Employment And Change-In-Control
Arrangements
The Company does not have any written employment contracts with respect to
any of its officers or other employees. The Company has no compensatory plan or
arrangement that results or will result from the resignation, retirement, or any
other termination of an executive officer's employment with the Company or from
a change-in-control of the Company or a change in an executive officer's
responsibilities following a change-in-control, except that the 1997 Plan
provides for vesting of all outstanding options in the event of the occurrence
of a change-in-control.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
As of December 2, 1998, there were 9,421,470 shares of the Company's $.001
par value common stock (the "Common Stock") outstanding. The following table
sets forth certain information as of December 2, 1998, with respect to the
beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by each director, by all
executive officers and directors as a group, and by each other person known by
the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the
Company's Common Stock:
26
<PAGE>
Name and Address of Number of Shares Percentage of
Beneficial Owner Beneficially Owned (1) Shares Outstanding
---------------- ---------------------- ------------------
D. Scott Singdahlsen 2,000,000 21.2%
1675 Broadway, Suite 1150
Denver, Colorado 80202
Robert B. Suydam 1,300,000(2) 13.8%
1675 Broadway, Suite 1150
Denver, Colorado 80202
Keith F. Carney 110,000 (3) 1.2%
915 Bay Oaks Road
Houston, Texas 77008
All Executive Officers and
Directors as a group (four persons) 3,437,500(2)(3)(4) 36.4%
PinOak Inc. 1,300,000 (2) 13.8%
5037 South Oak Court
Littleton, Colorado 80127
Victory Oil Company 1,773,333(5) 16.0%
222 West Sixth Street, Suite 1010
San Pedro, California 90731
Whittier Trust Company 556,734(6) 5.6%
1600 Huntington Drive
South Pasadena, California
- ----------
(1) "Beneficial ownership" is defined in the regulations promulgated by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission as having or sharing, directly or indirectly
(i) voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, or
(ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or to direct the
disposition, of shares of the common stock of an issuer. Unless otherwise
indicated, the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power.
(2) The shares shown for Mr. Suydam are owned of record by PinOak Inc.
("PinOak"). These shares are included twice in the table. They are listed as
being held beneficially by both PinOak and by Mr. Suydam. PinOak is owned by Mr.
Suydam's wife and Mr. Suydam is the President of PinOak.
(3) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares at $1.28 per share until May 26,
2001 that currently are excercisable or that will become exercisable within the
next 60 days.
(4) Includes 2,500 shares of Common Stock and options to purchase 25,000 shares
of Common Stock that currently are excercisable or that will become exercisable
within the next 60 days that are held by Andrew P. Calerich, the Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary of the Company.
27
<PAGE>
(5) Includes 1,666,667 shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon the
conversion of convertible promissory notes held by Victory Oil Company. See
"Item 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS"
(6) As reported in the Schedule 13D filed by Victory Oil Company, Whittier Trust
Company and other filing parties on November 5, 1998. The Company believes that
these shares consist of shares Common Stock that may be issued upon the
conversion of convertible promissory notes held by various holders for whom
Whittier Trust Company serves as trustee and/or agent See "Item 12. CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS"
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Acquisition Of PYR Energy, LLC
- ------------------------------
The Company acquired all the ownership interest in PYR Energy, LLC on
August 6, 1997 in exchange for 4,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Mr. Singdahlsen received 2,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock in that
transaction in exchange for the 50 percent of PYR Energy, LLC that he owned
immediately prior to the transaction. PinOak, a company of which Mr. Suydam is
the President and whose sole shareholder is Mr. Suydam's wife, received
1,300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock in that transaction in exchange
for PinOak's ownership of 32.5 percent of the ownership interests in PYR Energy,
LLC immediately prior to the transaction. In connection with that transaction,
the Company agreed to appoint each of Messrs. Singdahlsen, Carney and Gregory B.
Barnett to constitute all the members of the Company's Board Of Directors.
Loan To PYR Energy, LLC
- -----------------------
In June 1997, PYR Energy, LLC borrowed $275,000 from the Company in order
to fund certain of PYR Energy, LLC's obligations pursuant to PYR Energy, LLC's
lease and seismic option in the San Joaquin basin. See "ITEMS 1 AND 2.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES". PYR Energy, LLC secured that loan with
a pledge of PYR Energy, LLC's interest in the lease and seismic option. The loan
accrued interest at a rate of eight percent per annum, interest being payable at
the end of each calendar quarter. The loan was effectively eliminated upon
consummation of the Company's acquisition of PYR Energy, LLC.
Sale Of Assets To former Director And Officer
- ---------------------------------------------
Effective as of August 6, 1997, the Company sold all the assets not related
to the Company's business of oil and gas exploration, development and
consulting, and not related to the Company's principal office in Denver,
Colorado, to Buddy Young, a stockholder and a former director and officer of the
Company. The purchase price for the assets was $32,000, which was paid in the
form of a release from Mr. Young to the Company of the Company's obligation to
repay the $32,000 it owed to Mr. Young. The Company's approximate $32,000
obligation to Mr. Young had been incurred through advances from Mr. Young to the
Company for working capital purposes. At August 6, 1997, there were outstanding
$17,852 of accounts receivable related to the assets that Mr. Young obtained the
right to receive. Mr. Young also assumed all liabilities related to the assets.
The Company also assigned to Mr. Young the lease for the Company's office in
Encino, California, and Mr. Young assumed the Company's obligations under the
lease. The Company obtained a release from the landlord for additional
obligations under the lease.
28
<PAGE>
In addition to the accounts receivable described above, the assets sold to
Mr. Young consisted primarily of the Company's interests in three television
programs, "Heartstoppers . . . At The Movies", a two-hour television program
hosted by George Hamilton, "Christmas At The Movies", a one-hour television
program hosted by Gene Kelly, and "It's A Wonderful Life - A Personal
Remembrance", an approximately 15-minute television program hosted by Frank
Capra, Jr., and the office furniture and supplies in the Company's former office
in Encino, California. The television programs previously had been held by the
Company for licensing to various television and cable television operators.
During the year ended August 31, 1997, the Company received licensing fees of
$15,216 for the television programming assets sold to Mr. Young. The low revenue
amount was mainly due to the programs' previously having been licensed in most
major territories. Because, as a result of the Company's acquisition of PYR
Energy, LLC, the Company determined to focus its activities on oil and gas
exploration, development and consulting and to locate its principal office in
Denver, Colorado, the Company determined that it was in its best interests to
sell the assets of the Company that were not related to this business and to
assign its office lease in Encino, California.
Private Placement Of Notes
- --------------------------
In November 1998, the Company completed the sale of convertible promissory
notes (the "Notes") in the total amount of $2,500,000 in a private placement
transaction pursuant to exemptions from federal and state registration
requirements. Victory Oil Company ("Victory") purchased $1.0 million of Notes,
and parties related to Whittier Energy Company ("WEC") purchased $500,000 of
Notes. The remaining $1.0 million of Notes were sold to other investors.
In connection with the sale of Notes, the Company agreed to add S.L.
Hutchison and Bryce W. Rhodes to the Board of Directors. Messrs. Hutchison and
Rhodes have been nominated for election as directors at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders pursuant to this agreement. Mr. Hutchison is the Chief Financial
Officer of Victory and Mr. Rhodes is the Vice President of WEC.
The Notes will automatically convert into shares of Series A Preferred
Stock (the "Series A Preferred") at the rate of one share for each $100
principal amount of Notes if the Series A Preferred is approved by stockholders
prior to April 23, 1999. The Series A Preferred is convertible into Common Stock
at the rate of one share of Common Stock for each $.60 of the amount of the
Series A Preferred. If approval of the Series A Preferred is not obtained by
April 23, 1999, the Note holders have the right to require that Notes and
accrued interest be paid on demand or to convert the Notes into Common Stock at
the rate of one share of Common Stock for each $.30 of principal amount of Notes
rather than the conversion rate of one share of Common Stock for each $.60 face
amount of the Series A Preferred. The full principal amount of the Notes and
accrued interest at the rate of 10 percent per year is due on October 26, 1999
if the Notes have not been converted into Series A Preferred or Common Stock
prior to that time. The Company has the right in its discretion to pay the
interest portion of the Notes with Common Stock at a rate based on the weighted
average trading price of the Common Stock for 45 days prior to the interest
payment date.
The holders of the Series A Preferred, as a separate class, have the right
to elect two members of the Board of Directors of the Company when at least
10,000 shares of Series A Preferred are outstanding. When more than 5,000 shares
but fewer than 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred are outstanding, the holders
of Series A Preferred have the right to elect one member of the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors currently consists of six members and the size
of the Board may not be increased without the approval of the investors.
29
<PAGE>
As a condition to the sale of the Notes, D. Scott Singdahlsen and Robert B.
Suydam, who are directors and officers of the Company, entered into a voting
agreement ("Voting Agreement") with the purchasers of the Notes. Pursuant to the
Voting Agreement, each of Mr. Singdahlsen and Mr. Suydam agreed that each of Mr.
Singdahlsen and Mr. Suydam will vote all the shares of Common Stock of the
Company owned by him in favor of the election of two nominees of the investors
to serve on the Board of Directors of the Company and for the re-election of
those nominees or other nominees at any time that the aggregate percentage
ownership of common equity of the Company underlying the Notes or Series A
Preferred owned by the investors is 20 percent or more of the outstanding Common
Stock. Mr. Singdahlsen and Mr. Suydam are required to vote for only one nominee
at any time after the aggregate percentage ownership of common equity of the
Company owned by the investors is less than 20 percent and greater than or equal
to 10 percent of the outstanding Common Stock. The obligation of Mr. Singdahlsen
and Mr. Suydam to vote for any nominees of the investors terminates at any time
after the percentage ownership of common equity of the Company owned by the
investors is less than 10 percent of the outstanding Common Stock. Mr.
Singdahlsen and Mr. Suydam are not required to vote for the designated board
members at any time that the holders of the Series A Preferred have the right
voting separately as a class to elect those designated board members.
Also as a condition to the investors' purchase of the Notes, the Company
entered into an agreement with Victory, WEC, and Catalina Properties Corporation
("Catalina") pursuant to which Victory, WEC and Catalina contributed their
interests in approximately 5,000 gross acres of leasehold as well as access to
39 square miles of existing of 3-D seismic data adjoining the Company's
Southeast Maricopa "Stevens" Exploration Project in California. As consideration
for these interests, the Company issued 106,666 shares to Victory, 80,000 to
WEC, and 80,000 to Catalina, for an aggregate of 266,666 shares.
Except as described above, during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998,
there were no transactions between the Company and its directors, executive
officers or known holders of greater than five percent of the Company's Common
Stock in which the amount involved exceeded $60,000 and in which any of the
foregoing persons had or will have a material interest.
PART IV
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) and (a)(2) Financial Statements And Financial Statement Schedules
See "ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS".
(a)(3) Exhibits.
---------
Exhibit Index
Number Description
- ------ -----------
3.1 Certificate Of Incorporation filed with the Delaware Secretary Of
State on March 27, 1996 (1)
3.2 Certificate Of Amendment to the Certificate Of Incorporation effective
as of November 12, 1997 filed with the Delaware Secretary Of State.
(5)
3.3 Bylaws (1)
30
<PAGE>
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate (4)
4.2 Specimen Class A Warrant (4)
4.3 Specimen Class B Warrant (4)
10.1 Asset Transfer, Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated April 16,
1996 between the Registrant and Bexy Communications, Inc. (2)
10.2 Form of Purchase And Sale Agreement dated as of July 31, 1997 between
the Registrant and a member of PYR Energy, LLC (4)
10.3 Purchase And Sale Agreement effective as of August 6, 1997 between the
Registrant and Buddy Young (4)
10.4 1997 Stock Option Plan (3)
10.5 Convertible Note Purchase Agreement dated October 26, 1998 between the
Registrant and various investors (6)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
- --------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form 10-SB filed with the Securities And Exchange Commission ("SEC") on
June 18, 1996, File No. 0-20879.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement on Form 10-SB filed with the SEC on July 3, 1996,
File No. 0-20879.
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Preliminary Information
Statement filed with the SEC on October 8, 1997.
(4) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 filed with the SEC on October 24, 1997, File No. 333-38665.
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-KSB/A1 for the year
ended August 31, 1997.
(6) Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Victory Oil Company and other filing parties on November 5, 1998.
(b) Reports On Form 8-K.
--------------------
During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the
Registrant filed (i) six Current Reports on Form 8-K reporting events that
occurred on June 1, 1998, June 9, 1998, June 30, 1998, July 16, 1998, July 28,
1996, and July 30, 1998. Subsequent to August 31, 1998 and prior to filing their
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, the Registrant filed three Current Reports on Form
8-K reporting events that occurred on September 18, 1998 October 27, 1998, and
November 24, 1998.
31
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
----------
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant
has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
Date: December 4, 1998 By: /s/ D. Scott Singdahlsen
-------------------------
D. Scott Singdahlsen,
Chief Executive Officer
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has
been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
/s/ D. Scott Singdahlsen Chief Executive Officer, December 4, 1998
- ------------------------ President and Chairman
D. Scott Singdahlsen Of The Board
/s/ Keith F. Carney Director December 4, 1998
- ------------------------
Keith F. Carney
/s/ Robert B. Suydam Vice President-Geology December 4, 1998
- ------------------------ and Director
Robert B. Suydam
/s/ Andrew P. Calerich Chief Financial Officer December 4, 1998
- ------------------------ and Secretary
Andrew P. Calerich
33
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
INDEX
Independent Auditor's Report F-2
Balance Sheets
August 31, 1997 and 1998 F-3
Statements of Operations
Period from Inception (May 31, 1996) to
December 31, 1996, Eight Months Ended
August 31, 1997 and Year Ended August 31, 1998 F-4
Statements of Members'/Stockholders' Equity
Period from Inception (May 31, 1996) to
December 31, 1996, Eight Months Ended
August 31, 1997 and Year Ended August 31, 1998 F-5
Statements of Cash Flows
Period from Inception (May 31, 1996) to
December 31, 1996, Eight Months Ended
August 31, 1997 and Year Ended August 31, 1998 F-6 - F-7
Notes to Financial Statements F-8 - F-17
F - 1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To The Board of Directors and Stockholders
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of PYR Energy Corporation (a
development stage company) as of August 31, 1997 and 1998 and the related
statements of operations, members'/stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
period from inception (May 31, 1996) to December 31, 1996, for the eight months
ended August 31, 1997 and for the year ended August 31, 1998. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of PYR Energy Corporation as of
August 31, 1997 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the period from inception (May 31, 1996) to December 31, 1996, for the eight
months ended August 31, 1997 and for the year ended August 31, 1998 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
WHEELER WASOFF, P.C.
Denver, Colorado
October 26, 1998, except for Note 10(c)
as to which the date is November 23, 1998.
F - 2
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
August 31, August 31,
1997 1998
---- ----
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash $ 1,432,281 $ 373,100
Accounts receivable 10,000 --
Prepaid expenses 4,196 16,897
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets 1,446,477 389,997
----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost 339,547 2,546,059
----------- -----------
OTHER ASSETS 3,642 3,546
----------- -----------
$ 1,789,666 $ 2,939,602
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 60,064 $ 44,389
Accrued liabilities 10,184 1,282,500
Current portion of capital lease obligation -- 1,441
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities 70,248 1,328,330
----------- -----------
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION -- 2,661
----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 5)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.001 par value
Authorized 30,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding 9,154,804 shares 9,155 9,155
Capital in excess of par value 1,768,088 1,768,088
Deficit accumulated during the development stage (57,825) (168,632)
----------- -----------
1,719,418 1,608,611
----------- -----------
$ 1,789,666 $ 2,939,602
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Cumulative
Inception Eight Months Year from
(May 31, 1996) Ended Ended Inception to
to December 31, August 31, August 31, August 31,
1996 1997 1998 1998
---- ---- ---- ----
REVENUES
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consulting fees $ 37,528 $ 80,000 $ 10,000 $ 127,528
Interest -- 5,596 36,145 41,741
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
37,528 85,596 46,145 169,269
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES
General and administrative 18,518 125,161 675,245 818,924
Dry hole impairment -- -- 15,000 15,000
Interest -- 351 488 839
Depreciation and amortization 47 1,004 22,416 23,467
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
18,565 126,516 713,149 858,230
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER INCOME
Gain on sale of oil and gas prospects -- -- 556,197 556,197
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
18,963 (40,920) (110,807) (132,764)
INCOME APPLICABLE TO
PREDECESSOR LLC (Note 1) (18,963) (16,905) -- (35,868)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET (LOSS) $ -- $ (57,825) $ (110,807) $ (168,632)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED (Note 2) $ .005 $ (.009) $ (.012) $ (.026)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
OF COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING (Note 2) 4,000,000 4,644,351 9,154,804 6,481,943
=========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 4
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS'/STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MAY 31, 1996) TO DECEMBER 31, 1996,
EIGHT MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997 AND YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998
Deficit
Accumulated
Common Stock Capital in During the
Members' ------------------------- Excess of Developmental
Equity Shares Amount Par Value Stage
------ ------ ------ --------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception, May 31, 1996 $ -- -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Initial member contributions - cash 5,000 -- -- -- --
Member contribution- services 12,000 -- -- -- --
Distributions to members (24,000) -- -- -- --
Net income 18,963 -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1996 11,963 -- -- -- --
Member contributions - cash 23,000 -- -- -- --
Member contribution - services 24,000 -- -- -- --
Distributions to members (42,000) -- -- -- --
Net income - January 1, 1997 to August 5, 1997 16,905 -- -- -- --
Issuance of common stock to members of PYR Energy, --
LLC upon merger ($.008 per share) (33,868) 4,000,000 4,000 29,868 --
Recapitalization of shares issued by Mar prior to merger -- 1,059,804 1,060 (724) --
Sales of common stock pursuant to private placement at
$.25 per share -- 2,095,000 2,095 521,655 --
Sale of common stock pursuant to private placement at
$.75 per share -- 2,000,000 2,000 1,498,000 --
Costs of private placements offerings -- -- -- (280,711) --
Net (loss) August 6, 1997 to August 31, 1997 -- -- -- -- (57,825)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, August 31, 1997 -- 9,154,804 9,155 1,768,088 (57,825)
Net (loss) -- -- -- -- (110,807)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, August 31, 1998 $ -- 9,154,804 $ 9,155 $ 1,768,088 $ (168,632)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Inception Eight Months Year
(May 31, 1996) Ended Ended Cumulative
to December 31, August 31, August 31, Amounts from
1996 1997 1998 Inception
---- ---- ---- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) $ 18,963 $ (40,920) $ (110,807) $ (132,764)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 47 1,004 22,416 23,467
Contributed services 12,000 24,000 -- 36,000
Gain on sale of oil and gas prospects -- -- (556,197) (556,197)
Dry hole impairment -- -- 15,000 15,000
Changes in assets and liabilities
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable (527) (9,473) 10,000 --
(Increase) in prepaids -- (2,591) (12,700) (15,291)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 527 45,103 (15,675) 29,955
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses -- 10,183 (10,183) --
Other (474) (3,277) -- (3,751)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 30,536 24,029 (658,146) (603,581)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash paid for furniture and equipment -- (29,481) (43,407) (72,888)
Cash paid for undeveloped oil and gas properties -- (298,178) (1,406,613) (1,704,791)
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties -- -- 1,050,078 1,050,078
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used) in investing activities -- (327,659) (399,942) (727,601)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Members capital contributions 5,000 23,000 -- 28,000
Distributions to members (24,000) (42,000) -- (66,000)
Cash from short-term borrowings -- 285,000 -- 285,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock -- (285,000) -- (285,000)
Cash paid for offering costs -- 2,023,750 -- 2,023,750
Cash paid for offering costs -- (280,711) -- (280,711)
Cash received upon recapitalization and merger -- 336 -- 336
Payments on capital lease -- -- (1,093) (1,093)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (19,000) 1,724,375 (1,093) 1,704,282
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 11,536 1,420,745 (1,059,181) 373,100
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIODS -- 11,536 1,432,281 --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
CASH, END OF PERIODS $ 11,536 $ 1,432,281 $ 373,100 $ 373,100
=========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
F - 6
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MAY 31, 1996) TO DECEMBER 31, 1996,
EIGHT MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997 AND YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
During the eight months ended August 31, 1997 the Company paid cash for
interest on short term borrowings of $351.
During the year ended August 31, 1998 the Company paid cash for interest of
$488 on a capital lease.
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
In August 1997, 4,000,000 shares of common stock were issued to the members
of PYR Energy, LLC ("PYR LLC") in exchange for 100 percent of the ownership
interests in PYR LLC, for which the net members' equity in PYR LLC was
$33,868. These shares were issued pursuant to a plan of reorganization and
merger effective August 6, 1997 (Notes 1 and 3).
During 1996 and 1997 the President of the Company performed services for
PYR LLC valued at $12,000 and $24,000, respectively. The value of these
services was charged to members' equity as a non-cash capital contribution.
During the year ended August 31, 1998, the Company entered into a capital
lease obligation of $5,195 for office equipment.
F - 7
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS COMBINATION
PYR Energy Corporation (the "Company"), is an independent energy company
engaged in the exploration and acquisition of crude oil and natural gas
reserves in the Western United States, including California, and is
considered a development stage company as defined by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 7. The Company's predecessor, Mar Ventures
Inc. ("Mar"), was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on
March 27, 1996 for the purpose of producing and marketing traditional
television programming and marketing its film library. Mar was a public
company which had no significant operations as of July 31, 1997. On August
6, 1997 Mar acquired all the interests in PYR Energy LLC ("PYR LLC") (a
Colorado Limited Liability Company organized on May 31, 1996), a
development stage company as defined by SFAS No. 7. PYR LLC, an independent
exploration company, was engaged in the acquisition of oil and gas
properties for exploration and exploitation in the Rocky Mountain region
and California. As of August 31, 1997 PYR LLC had acquired only
non-producing leases and acreage and no exploration had been commenced on
the properties. Effective August 6, 1997, Mar transferred to its former
president substantially all its assets and liabilities that were related to
its film library operations. The net assets of Mar exchanged pursuant to
the transaction with PYR LLC are as follows:
Cash $ 336
Assets 1,605
Liabilities (1,605)
-------
$ 336
=======
Upon completion of the acquisition of PYR LLC by Mar, PYR LLC ceased to
exist as a separate entity. Mar remained as the legal surviving entity and,
effective November 12, 1997, Mar changed its name to PYR Energy
Corporation. For financial reporting purposes, the business combination was
accounted for as an additional capitalization of Mar (a reverse acquisition
with PYR LLC as the acquirer). The accompanying financial statements as of
December 31, 1996 and August 31, 1997 and for the periods then ended are
those of PYR LLC. The operations of PYR LLC will be the only continuing
operations of the Company.
Prior to the business combination, Mar loaned $275,000 to PYR LLC for
amounts owed by PYR LLC with respect to its oil and gas operations. The
loan was eliminated in conjunction with the successful completion of the
combination of PYR LLC and Mar.
The Company is an exploration stage oil and gas company and as of August
31, 1998, has not earned any production revenue nor found proved reserves
on any of its properties. The Company's efforts, since August 1997, have
been in financing activities and the acquisition of unproven properties and
related seismic data. The Company has entered into participation and
farm-in agreements with industry partners on certain of its properties
pursuant to which these partners have acquired, for cash, interests in the
Company's properties. During the year ended August 31, 1998, drilling of
two test wells was commenced, with one well being plugged and abandoned and
the other suffering a blowout. (See Note 10 (c)).
F - 8
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS COMBINATION (CONTINUED)
The Company's ability to continue operations is dependent on finding proved
reserves, achieving positive cash flow from production revenue, conversion
of notes to Series A Preferred Stock (See Note 10 (a)) and/or obtaining
additional financing and the continuation of entering into agreements with
industry partners for the exploration and ultimate development of the
Company's oil and gas prospects. Although cash received from the sale of
convertible debt in October 1998 (See Note 10 (a)) may be sufficient to
sustain operations for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999, management
intends to obtain additional funding for corporate operations and
exploration of properties by entering into agreements with industry
partners for sale and purchase of interests in the Company's oil and gas
prospects and participation in the exploration of these prospects.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Furniture and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization
of assets under capital lease is provided by use of the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets of three to
five years.
Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
The Company follows the full cost method to account for its oil and gas
exploration and development activities. Under the full cost method, all
costs incurred which are directly related to oil and gas exploration and
development are capitalized and subjected to depreciation and depletion.
Depletable costs also include estimates of future development costs of
proved reserves. Costs related to undeveloped oil and gas properties may be
excluded from depletable costs until such properties are evaluated as
either proved or unproved. The net capitalized costs are subject to a
ceiling limitation. Gains or losses upon disposition of oil and gas
properties are treated as adjustments to capitalized costs, unless the
disposition represents a significant portion of the Company's proved
reserves. A separate cost center is maintained for expenditures applicable
to each country in which the Company conducts exploration and/ or
production activities.
Undeveloped oil and gas prospects consist of leases and acreage acquired by
the Company for its' exploration and development activities, including the
cost of seismic data acquisition and evaluation, and drilling costs for
exploration wells. The cost of these non-producing leases is recorded at
the lower of cost or fair market value.
F - 9
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed of" which
requires that long-lived assets to be held and used be reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The adoption of SFAS
121 has not had an impact on the Company's financial statements, as the
Company has determined that no impairment loss for 1998 needs to be
recognized for applicable assets of continuing operations.
ORGANIZATION COSTS
Costs related to the organization of the Company have been capitalized and
are being amortized over a period of five years.
INCOME TAXES
The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes". SFAS 109 requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities
and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have
been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this
method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to reverse.
PYR LLC was taxed as a Limited Liability Company until August 6, 1997, and
as such was not subject to federal and state income tax. Earnings and
losses through that date were included in the personal tax returns of its
members, and PYR LLC did not record an income tax provision.
At August 31, 1998, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of
approximately $85,000 that may be offset against future taxable income
through 2013.
The Company has fully reserved the $21,000 tax benefit of operating loss
carryforwards, by a valuation allowance of the same amount, because the
likelihood of realization of the tax benefit cannot be determined. The
total tax benefit is attributable to 1997.
Temporary differences between the time of reporting certain items for
financial and tax reporting purposes consist primarily of exploration costs
on oil and gas properties.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F - 10
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
(Loss) per common share at August 31, 1998 is computed based on the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period then
ended. Common shares issued to the members of PYR LLC upon completion of
Mar's merger with PYR LLC (Note 1) are considered outstanding for all
periods presented. Convertible equity instruments, such as stock options
and warrants, are not considered in the calculation of net loss per share
as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
Income (loss) per share has been computed on a pro forma basis based on the
income (loss) of PYR LLC for the period from inception to December 31, 1996
and the eight months ended August 31, 1997 as if PYR LLC was a corporation
and not a limited liability company, which distributes its earnings and
losses to its members.
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
In October 1995, SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" was
issued. This new standard defines a fair value based method of accounting
for an employee stock option or similar equity instrument. This statement
gives entities a choice of recognizing related compensation expense by
adopting the new fair value method or to continue to measure compensation
using the intrinsic value approach under Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 25. The Company has elected to utilize APB No. 25 for
measurement; and will, pursuant to SFAS No. 123, disclose supplementally
the pro forma effects on net income and earnings per share of using the new
measurement criteria. During the eight months ended August 31, 1997, the
Company issued options to purchase shares of its common stock (Note 4). The
effect of this issuance on pro forma net income and earnings per share is
not material.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers as cash
equivalents all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months
or less at the time of purchase. On occasion, the Company has cash in banks
in excess of federally insured amounts. At August 31, 1997 and 1998, there
were no cash equivalents.
NEW TECHNICAL PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 1997 SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" was issued effective
for periods ending after December 15, 1997. There is no impact on the
Company's financial statements from adoption of SFAS No. 128.
In February 1997 SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of Information about Capital
Structure" was issued effective for periods ending after December 15, 1997.
The Company has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 129 effective
with the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998.
In June 1997 SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income", was issued for
fiscal years beginning after December 31, 1997, with earlier application
permitted. The Company has elected to adopt SFAS No. 130 effective with the
fiscal year ending August 31, 1999. Adoption of SFAS No. 130 is not
expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
F - 11
<PAGE>
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
In June 1997 SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information" was issued effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 31, 1997, with earlier application permitted. The Company has
elected to adopt SFAS No. 131 effective with the fiscal year ending August
31, 1999. Adoption of SFAS No. 131 is not expected to have a material
impact on the Company's financial statements.
In February 1998 SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure about Pensions and
Other Postretirement Benefits", was issued effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997, with earlier application encouraged. The
Company has elected to adopt SFAS No. 132 effective with the fiscal year
ending August 31, 1999. Adoption of SFAS No. 132 is not expected to have a
material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In June 1998 SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities", was issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15,
1999. Adoption of SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a material impact on
the Company's financial statements.
NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following:
August 31, August 31,
1997 1998
---- ----
Furniture and equipment $ 29,481 $ 72,888
Asset under capital lease -- 5,195
----------- -----------
29,481 78,083
Less accumulated depreciation
and amortization (941) (23,262)
----------- -----------
28,540 54,821
Undeveloped oil and gas prospects 311,007 2,491,238
----------- -----------
$ 339,547 $ 2,546,059
=========== ===========
During the year ended August 31, 1998, the Company charged to operations
$15,000 as an allocation of its cost basis in a dry hole in which it had a
carried working interest. This allocation was based on the Company's
estimate that this drill location had no future value. The Company reviews
and determines the cost basis of drilling prospects on a drilling location
basis.
Depreciation expense for the years ended August 31, 1997 and August 31,
1998 was $941 and $22,321, respectively.
F - 12
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 4 - CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION
Capitalized lease obligation at August 31, 1998 consists of a lease for
office equipment, repayable in monthly installments of $150 with interest
at 10.5%.
Maturity of this obligation is as follows:
Year ending August 31,
1999 $1,441
2000 1,616
2001 1,045
Future minimum payments on capitalized leases are as follows:
Year ending August 31,
1999 $1,803
2000 1,803
2001 1,062
------
4,668
Less amount representing interest 566
------
Present value of net minimum lease payments 4,102
Less current maturity 1,441
------
Long-term portion $2,661
======
NOTE 5 - COMMON STOCK
Effective August 6, 1997 Mar completed a merger with PYR LLC (Note 1). In
conjunction with the merger, the members of PYR LLC received 4,000,000
shares of common stock of Mar. These shares were recorded at the net member
equity of PYR LLC as of that date of $33,868. The 1,059,804 Mar shares
outstanding as of the date of merger were recapitalized to the net assets
of Mar of $336. For financial statement reporting purposes, this was
treated as a reverse acquisition whereby PYR LLC was considered the
surviving and reporting entity. For legal purposes, however, Mar remained
as the surviving entity, therefore the capital structure of the Company was
accordingly restated.
In July 1997, the Company completed the sale of common stock and warrants
pursuant to a private placement as follows:
* 2,095,000 units, at a price of $.25 per unit, consisting of 2,095,000
shares of common stock, warrants to purchase 1,047,500 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share before October
31, 1997, and warrants to purchase 1,047,500 shares of common stock at
an exercise price of $1.75 per share before January 31, 1998.
Subsequent to the offering, each of the warrant expiration dates was
extended one or more times, and all the warrants ultimately expired
without having been exercised.
F - 13
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 5 - COMMON STOCK (CONTINUED)
In August 1997, the Company completed the sale of common stock and warrants
pursuant to a private placement as follows:
* 2,000,000 units, at a price of $.75 per unit, consisting of 2,000,000
shares of common stock, warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share before October
31, 1997, and warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at
an exercise price of $1.75 per share before January 31, 1998.
Subsequent to the offering, each of the warrant expiration dates was
extended one or more times, and all the warrants ultimately expired
without having been exercised.
Proceeds from these offerings were $523,750 and $1,500,000, respectively,
before costs of the offerings of $280,711.
NOTE 6 - STOCK OPTION PLAN
In August 1997, the Board of Directors approved the 1997 Stock Option Plan
(the "1997 Plan"). Pursuant to the 1997 Plan, the Company may grant options
to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to key employees
and other persons who have or are contributing to the success of the
Company. The options granted pursuant to the 1997 Plan may be either
incentive options qualifying for beneficial tax treatment for the recipient
or non-qualified options. The 1997 Plan will be administered by the Option
Committee, which may consist of either (i) the Company's Board of
Directors, or (ii) a Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, of two
or more non-employee directors. No option may be exercisable more than ten
years after the granting of the option, and no options may be granted under
the 1997 Plan after August 13, 2007. The exercise price of incentive
options granted can not be less than the fair market value of the
underlying common stock on the date the options are granted.
The status of outstanding options granted pursuant to the 1997 Plan was as
follows:
Number Weighted Weighted
of Average Average
Shares Exercise Price Fair Value
------ -------------- ----------
Options Outstanding - Inception -- -- --
Granted 171,000 $1.50 --
-------
Options Outstanding - August 31, 1997 171,000 $1.50 --
(None exercisable)
Expired (60,000)
Granted 135,000 $1.40 $ .31
-------
Options Outstanding - August 31, 1998 246,000 $1.46 $ .26
(37,000 exercisable) =======
F - 14
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 6 - STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONTINUED)
The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123. Had
compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan been determined based
on the fair value at the grant date consistent with the provisions of SFAS
No. 123, the Company's net loss and loss per share for 1998 would have been
increased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
Net (loss) applicable to common stockholders - as reported $ (110,807)
===========
Net (loss) applicable to common stockholders - pro forma $ (124,555)
===========
(Loss) per share - as reported $ (.01)
===========
(Loss) per share - pro forma $ (.01)
===========
Weighted average fair value of options granted in 1998 $ .31
===========
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants: dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of
25% to 75%; discount rate of 5.50%; and expected lives of 3 to 5 years.
At August 31, 1998 the number of options exercisable was 37,000, the
weighted average exercise price of these options was $1.50, the weighted
average contractual life of the options was 5 years and the exercise price
was $1.50 per share.
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has entered into a non-cancelable lease, as amended, for office
facilities. Minimum payments due under this lease are as follows:
Years ending August 31,
1999 $39,768
2000 39,768
2001 39,768
Rent expense was $0, $8,694 and $35,539 for the period from inception to
December 31, 1996, for the eight months ended August 31, 1997 and for the
year ended August 31, 1998, respectively.
The Company has acquired leases covering 2,080 acres in Wyoming from the
Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"). In order to maintain its rights to
explore these properties, the Company is obligated to pay the BLM a maximum
aggregate $3,120 annually for the undeveloped acres under lease. The amount
due has been paid for the lease period October 1, 1998 to September 30,
1999.
The Company entered into an agreement with Chevron U.S.A. Production
Company ("Chevron") for the Company to farm-in oil and gas prospects
located in the San Joaquin basin of California. The Company paid $275,000
upon execution of the agreement for certain rights including access to
certain proprietary 2D and 3D seismic data. The agreement provides for
exclusive rights to undertake oil and gas drilling and development
operations on lands owned in fee by Chevron. As part of the agreement, the
F - 15
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
Company has an option to undertake the acquisition of additional 3D seismic
data and has agreed to drill a test well on a portion of the prospect
areas. In addition, as part of the agreement, the Company has agreed to
drill an additional test well on another portion of the prospect areas.
The Company may be subject to various possible contingencies which are
primarily from interpretations of federal and state laws and regulations
affecting the oil and gas industry. Although management believes it has
complied with the various laws and regulations, new rulings and
interpretations may require the Company to make adjustments.
NOTE 8 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In 1996 and 1997 the President of the Company performed services for PYR
LLC valued at $12,000 and $24,000, respectively. The value ascribed to
these services was charged to members' equity during each of the periods
ended December 31, 1996 and August 6, 1997 as a capital contribution.
In 1997 the Company paid an aggregate $14,000 in consulting fees to its
President and an entity owned by an officer of the Company; and borrowed an
aggregate $8,000 from two officers of the Company. The amount borrowed was
repaid with interest, at 8%, of $280 by August 31, 1997.
In 1998 the Company paid $43,530 for services provided to the Company by an
entity controlled by a former director of the Company.
NOTE 9 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FAIR VALUE
The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash, prepaid
expenses, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value
because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial
instruments.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist of cash. The Company maintains cash
accounts at one financial institution. At August 31, 1998, cash on deposit
at this financial institution exceeded federally insured amounts by
approximately $270,000. The Company periodically evaluates the credit
worthiness of financial institutions, and maintains cash accounts only in
large high quality financial institutions, thereby minimizing exposure for
deposits in excess of federally insured amounts.
NOTE 10 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(a) In October 1998 the Company completed the sale of $2,300,000, of a
maximum $2,500,000, 10% convertible notes, due October 1999. The notes
are convertible into an aggregate 23,000 shares of a newly designed
Series A Preferred Stock of the Company. The Company must obtain
F - 16
<PAGE>
PYR ENERGY CORPORATION
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 10 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
shareholder approval for authorization of the Series A Preferred
Stock. If authorization is not obtained by April 1999, the note
holders may demand payment of principal and interest of the note, or
elect to convert the principal balance of the notes into shares of the
Company's common stock, at the rate of $.30 per share. In conjunction
with the sale of $1,500,000 of the notes, the Company agreed to pay a
finders fee consisting of $45,000 and warrants to purchase 175,000
shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $.75 per
share for a period of five years.
(b) In October 1998 the Company issued an aggregate of 266,666 shares of
its common stock for assignment to the Company of certain undeveloped
oil and gas prospects in California, including oil and gas leases,
seismic data and intellectual property.
(c) On November 23, 1998, the Company's test well being drilled on its
East Lost Hills prospect suffered a blowout. The operator of the well
is attempting to get the blowout under control. If and when this is
achieved, the Company and the other working interest owners will
evaluate the situation and determine the manner for proceeding. The
financial accounting impact of this blowout, and any potential
environmental implications, will be reflected, pursuant to the
Company's accounting policies for oil and gas properties, during the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1999.
F - 17
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